Method and apparatus for treating tubular knitted fabric by lateral distention



March 30, 1965 s, co ETAL 3,175,272

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING TUBULAR KNITTED FABRIC BY LATERAL DISTENTION 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 29. 1961 I". g5. II: m I" f I u I U! LJHLJ INVENTORS 1 Q "L" SAMUEL COHN EUGENE ov-m JOSEPH OHN FRANK CATALLO s. COHN ETAL 3,175,272 APPARATUS FOR TREATING TUBULAR FABRIC BY LATERAL DISTEN'I' March 30, 1965 METHOD AND KNITTED ION 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 29. 1961 BY FMNK CATALLO f M ATTORNEYS W March 30, 1965 s. COHN ETAL 3,175,272

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING TUBULAR KNITTED FABRIC BY LATERAL DISTENTION Filed Nov. 29. 1961 4 Sheets-Sheet s SAMUEL COHN FRAN K CATA LLO ZaM 7W ATTORNEYS March 30, 1965 s. COHN ETAL METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING TUBULAR KNITTED FABRIC BY LATERAL DISTENTION 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed NOV. 29, 1961 INVENTORS SAMUEL COHN EUGENE COHN JOSEPH COHN FRANK CATALLO ATTO R N EYS United States Patent 0 M 3,175,272 METHOD AND APPARATUS FQR TREEATENG TUBULAR KNITTED FABREC BY LATERAL DETENTION Samuel Colin, New York, Eugene Colin, Great Neck, Joseph Colin, New York, and Frank Catallo, Elmont, N.Y., assignors to Samcoe Holding Corporation, Woodside, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed Nov. 29, 1961, Ser. No. 155,616 17 Claims. (Cl. 26-55) The present invention relates to the treatment of tubular knitted fabric, and is directed more particularly to novel and improved method and means for improving tubular knitted fabric by a procedure which includes lateral distention.

A variety of processing operations carried out on tubular knitted fabrics involve lateral distention of the fabric to condition the stitches in a desired manner, typical such processes being calendering and wet spreading. In a calendering treatment, for example, a tube of knitted fabric is advanced over a distending means, advantageously a flat frame, and the fabric is distended to and maintained at a predetermined, uniform width. While the fabric is thus maintained, it is steamed to relax the fibers and set the stitches, so that the calendered fabric retains a uniform, increased width dimension. In a typical wet spreading treatment, the fabric tube is ad vanced over a distending means and, while the fabric is in a wet condition, it is extended to a predetermined Width, which may be substantially greater than the desired distended width.

In calendering, wet spreading or other treatment in volving lateral distention of tubular knitted fabric, as presently carried out, significant distortions of the material may be caused, which result in subsequent nonuniform shrinkage and undesirable distortions in a tinished garment. The distortions induced by lateral distention of the fabric are relatively complex and are caused by the fact that various increments of the advancing material tend to travel at different velocities, due in part to the fact that various sections of the fabric across its width are traveling in different directions, and due in part to the fact that the material tends to shorten as it increases in width.

In accordance with the present invention, a novel and improved treatment is afforded which effects lateral distention of tubular knitted fabric in a manner calculated to reduce significantly the undesirable distortions of the fabric which otherwise would be induced through conventional distending techniques. The method and ap' paratus of the invention make possible substantial in! creases in the degree to which a tubular knitted fabric may be increased in width without inducing excessive distortion. In this respect, the invention makes it pos sible to overspread and calender a tubular knitted fabric in a single, continuous operation with the fabric under positive control at all times.

A fundamental aspect of the invention resides in the lateral distention of the fabric in a plurality of successive stages, with the fabric being engaged by its walls and driven in a positive manner and at a predetermined speed during each stage. Under optimum conditions, the speed at which the fabric walls are driven during each distention stage is a function of the average width of material during such stage as well as a function of the rate of distention, and the arrangement as a whole is calculated to achieve substantial uniformity of the forward advancing movement of widthwise increments of the fabric. Stated another way, the method and means of the invention assure to the greatest practicable extent that center longitudinal areas of the fabric, for example,

3,l?5,2?2 Patented Mar. 3%), 1965 will neither move ahead of nor lag behind edge areas of the fabric at any stage of the treatment.

A more specific aspect of the invention resides in the provision of a novel and improved arrangement for laterally distending an advancing tube or knitted fabric which involves engaging opposed interior edges of an advancing fabric tube by means of a first pair of angularly disposed driven belts which simultaneously ad- Vance and distendthe tube by driving its edge Walls at a predetermined speed and in predetermined, divergent directions. After a short first stage of advancement and distention of the tube, the internal walls of the tube are engaged by a second pair of divergently related, driven belts which are traveling at a slower speed than the first pair of belts and advantageously are disposed at a smaller angle to the axis of longitudinal advancement of the tube. The edge walls of the tube thus are driven through a second stage of advancement and distention at a predetermined slower rate of speed, compensating for both the increased width of the tube and the lower rate of laterial distention relative to longitudinal advancement.

Ideally, the advancement and distention of the fabric tube should be carried out in a largeplurality of stages with the fabric walls being driven at a progressively lower rate of speed in each stage. However, it has been found satisfactory for most commercial purposes to effect distention of the fabric tube in two or three stages.

One of the important contemplated uses of the method and apparatus of the invention resides in. the controlled and substantial lateral distention of tubular knitted fabric in wet condition, prior to undergoing a furtherprocessing treatment, such as extracting and resin impregnating H manner briefly described above, is immediately and while still under positive control subjected to a calendering operation, advantageously while in a condition of substantial lengthwise relaxation, so that the fabric is set in a distortion-free condition to a predetermined, uniform width. Thus, the invention may advantageously be practiced in a manner such that the fabric passes substantially directly from the stages of lateral distention onto opposed pairs of driven belts, disposed in parallel relation andarranged to convey the distended tube for a predetermined distance while maintaining its condition and dimensions uniform. While the fabric is being thus conveyed, it is subjected to steaming, which lubricates and permits relaxation of the fibers and causes the stitches of the knitted material to retain a condition of substantial uniformity.

An additional significant aspect of the invention resides in the provision of a novel and improved continuous treatment for tubular knitted material involving substantial overspreading of the fabric in initial stages. In this respect, the method and means for the invention, including arrangements for simultaneously advancing and laterally distending a fabric tube with a practicable minimum of distortion, permits the fabric to be distended laterally to a degree normally considered excessive With out inducing undesirable distortions. The fabric tube thus may be desirably conditioned by excessive lateral distention, and, since it is free of undesirable distortions,

1 (not shown).

thus conditioned fabric is set to desired width dimensions while being conveyed by the last-mentioned belts so that the treated material is of particularly desirable quality with respect to uniformity of dimensions and freedom from undesirable distortions.

For a better understanding of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description and to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a first advantageous form of apparatus incorporating the principles of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view, with parts broken away, of a portion of a fabric advancing and distending frame incorporated in the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the frame section of FIG. 3;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional views taken along lines 55 and 66, respectively, of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a second form of frame section for incorporation in the apparatus of FIG. 1 to enable the apparatus to carry out continuous overspreading and setting to width of tubular knitted fabric;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional View taken generally along lines 88 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a third form of frame section adapted to be incorporated in the apparatus of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a fourth form of frame section adapted to be incorporated in the apparatus of FIG. 1.

Referring now to the drawings, and initially to FIGS. l-6 thereof, the reference numeral 10 designates a web of tubular knitted fabric supplied from a suitable source As received from the source, the fabric 10 is substantially narrower in its width dimension than is necessary or desirable for ultimate use, and the stitches of the fabric contain substantial undesirable tensions induced during knitting. Moreover, the fabric may contain substantial undesirable distortions, introduced by preceding treating operations, such as washing, dyeing, etc. Accordingly, at some stage of the treatment of the fabric, it is advantageously distended laterally to a predetermined width and relaxed longitudinally for dimensional stabilization. This operation sets the fabric to a predetermined, desired dimension and substantially relieves the fabric of its various undesirable stitch ten- 'by the numeral 14, which engages the fiat material by its interior edge walls and simultaneously advances and laterally distends the fabric tube. In accordance with the invention, the simultaneous advancement and distention of the tube is carried out in a plurality of stages, designated in FIG. 1 as stages A and B. As will be described in more detail, the advantageous procedure of the invention permits distention of the untreated fabric tube 10 substantially in excess of the usual degree without introducing excessive undesirable distortions.

After distention to the desired lateral dimension (or to an excessively Wide lateral dimension in some treatment sequences), the fabric tube is passed directly and while still under substantially positive control onto a conveying stage designated C in FIG. 1. For the treatment of dry fabrics, the conveying stage constitutes part of a calendering stage, in which the fabric tube is conveyed past a steaming station while being maintained uniform in condition and width. The fabric may then be passed directly between a pair of calendering rollers, and the treated fabric conveyed away for further processing or for cutting into garments, as the case may be. In the handling of wet materials, the conveying stage serves to set the width dimensions of the fabric prior to discharging the conditioned fabric into extractor rolls, for example, or other treatment apparatus.

Advantageously, the distending stages A and B and the conveying stage C are formed by a unitary treating frame comprised of opposed frame sections 16, 17 connected by one or more adjustable cross bars 18. As indicated in FIG. 1, the treating frame is received internally of the fabric tube and is held in a predetermined position by means of adjustable edge drive rolls 19, 20 mounted on adjustable slides 21, 22 for adjustment toward and away from a central longitudinal axis of the machine. The slides 21, 22 are mounted on rods 23, 24 supported at their opposite ends in machine frame sections 25, 26, and the slides are connected for opposed movement in unison by means of a threaded shaft 27 arranged for manual operationthrough a hand wheel 28. Suitable drive means, including a drive chain 29 and drive shaft 30 are provided for rotating the edge drive rolls 13, 20 at a predetermined, controllable speed.

The respective frame sections 16, 17 are substantially identical except for their reverse orientation, and reference may be made to FIGS. 3-6 for further details of their construction. Thus, as shown best in FIG. 4, the frame section 17 is comprised of a pair of spaced plates 31, 32 secured in spaced relation at a plurality of points and journaling a plurality of pulleys 3337. The pulleys 33, 34 are journaled in the forward portion of the frame section, which forms the calendering stage C. A belt 38 is trained about the pulleys 33, 34, and the pulleys are so disposed in the frame that one longitudinally extending reach of the belt 38 is exposed along the outer edge of the frame section, substantially as indicated in FIG. 3.

The pulley 36 is, in accordance with one aspect of the invention, a differential pulley and advantageously includes grooves for training a belt 39 about its small diameter portion and a pair of spaced belts MI, 41 about its 1 large diameter portions. The belts 40, 41 are also trained about the pulley 37, which is journaled at the extreme rearward end of the frame section 17. Portions of the belts 40, 41 are exposed along the edge of the frame section, as indicated in FIG. 3, and the portion of the frame along which the belts 40, 41 are thus exposed comprises the first distending stage A.

The belt 39, which is trained about the small diameter portion of the differential pulley 36, is also trained about the pulley and has a portion exposed along the edge of the frame section constituting a second distending stage B.

Suitable spring-urged belt tensioning elements 42 are mounted on the frame section 17 and press inward against the unexposed reaches of the belts 3841 to assure substantially positive frictional gripping between the respective belts and the pulleys about which they are trained.

The assembled frame is supported in the machine primarily by the edge drive rolls 19, 20, which are provided with concave annular grooves to mate with convex annular surfaces of the pulleys 34, 35. The pulleys 34, 35, which constitute drive input pulleys, are spaced apart a predetermined distance in relation to their diameter and the diameter of the edge drive rolls 19, 20, so that the edge drive rolls can be partially nested between the pulleys to support the assembled frame in a fixed position.

Advantageously, the belt 38 of the calendering stage C is received in its pulley 34 to a greater depth below the outer surface than is the belt 39 of the second distending stage B. Accordingly, when the belts 38, 39 are driven by rotation of the pulleys 34, 35, through frictional contact with the edge drive roll 20, the belt 38 will travel at a linear speed which is slower than the linear speed of the belt 39.

In accordance with the invention, the belts 4-0, 41 com advance of the material (e.g., degrees) and are driven at a predetermined faster speed in relation to the belt 39. In addition, the belt 39 advantageously is disposed at a smaller angle with respect to the longitudinal axis than the belts 40, 41, substantially as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

When the edge rolls 19, 20 are driven, with the assembled frame in position therebetween, the pulleys 3d, are rotated by frictional contact. The belts 38, 39 thus are driven directly in relation to the edge rolls if, 20, the belt 38, however, traveling at a slower linear speed than the belt 39, as previously described. The belt 39, in turn, drives the differential pulley 36 to drive the spaced belts 49, 41; and in accordance with the invention, the linear speed of the belts 4b, 41 is substantially faster than that of the belt 39. In a typical installation of the type shown in FIG. 1, for example, the belts ill, 41 may be driven at a speed almost twice as fast as the speed of the belt 39, for example.

Referring particularly to FIG. 1, the untreated fabric 1t from the supply is directed over the rear end of the frame so that the interior edge walls of the fabric are engaged by the belts 49, 41 of each of the frame sections 16, 17. The opposed pairs of belts frictionally engage the interior walls of the fabric and advance the fabric forward and outward at a predetermined speed and angle. In this respect, the fabric 1% advantageously is distended at the greatest rate during the first distending stage A, and it has been determined to be advantageous to grip the fabric during this stage by spaced pairs of belts 4t 41, rather than by opposed single belts, in order to effect a significant reduction in fabric distortion at the tube edges, as well as afford more positive driving engagement with the fabric and to facilitate its initial movement onto and overthe structure of the frame sections 16, 17.

As will be understood, as the fabric is distended during the first stage A it becomes progressively shorter in length, or at least tends to become shorter in length, even though the edge wall portions gripped by the belts are advanced at constant speed. Accordingly, as a significant feature of the invention, the lateral distention carried out during the first stage A is less than the desired total distention, and the partially distended fabric is transferred onto the belts 3? to undergo a second stage of distention.

As indicated particularly in FIG. 1, the fabric is transferred abruptly from the pairs of belts 43, 41 onto the belts 39 traveling at a much slower speed. This permits the fabric to gather in the area of transfer, allowing any slight distortions introduced during the first distention stage to be relieved. Thereafter, the fabric continues to be advanced longitudinally and distended laterally by the second stage belts 39. However, the belts 3% are traveling at a substantially slower linear speed to accommodate for the fact that the fabric at that point is substantially wider than as received from the supply (and therefore traveling at a substantially slower forward speed in the longitudinal direction) and also to accommodate for the fact that the belts 39 of the second stage are disposed at a smaller angle to the longitudinal axis.

In respect of the last-mentioned condition, it will be understood that, apart from the tendency of the fabric to reduce in forward speed with increases in width, a fabric driven at its edge at a divergent angle from its axis of longitudinal progression must travel outward at a spec relative to its component of forward velocity, which is a function of the angle. Otherwise, the areas of the material at the edge will tend to lag or precede central areas of the material, causing undesirable distortions to be introduced. Accordingly, as a significant aspect of the invention, each time the edges of the fabric are caused to change direction by transfer onto different belts, the respective speeds of the successive belts are related by (among other relevant factors, such aswidth, nature of fabrics, etc.) a function of the angle between them, so that distortions in the material are maintained at an absolute minimum.

In the system of FIG. 1, the differential speed relationship between the belts lll, 41 and the belts 39 brought about by thedilferential pulleys 36 is calculated to compensate for both the increasing width of the fabric and the variation in the angle of divergence of the fabric in the successive distending stages A and B. The desired speed relationship between the belts 38 and 39, to accommodate for the change in average width of the material as well as the relative angle between the belts is brought about by recessing the belt 38 intoa relatively deeper groove in the pulley 34 so that the belt 38 travels at a slower linear speed than the belt 39. Where desirable or appropriate, the relative speed relation between the belts 33 and 39 may provide for an even further reduction in the linear speed of the belt 38 so that the fabric is, in effect, overfed onto the belt 38 to assure that during the calendering stage C the fabric is completely relaxed in a lengthwise direction.

In the treatment illustrated in FIGURE 1, the fabric received from the supply is distended in the first stage A to an intermediate width by opposed pairs of belts 40, 41, which grip the interior edges of the fabric tube along two longitudinal areas and drive the fabric edges forward and outward at a predetermined speed and angle. The partially distended fabric is then transferred onto the belts 39 after being allowed to gather and relieve itself of any distortions, and further advancement and lateral distention is brought about by advancement at a predetermined smaller angle and slower speed of the interior edge walls of the fabric by the belts 39. The fabric tube then passes between the edge drive rollers 19, 2t and the sets of pulleys 34, 35 and is transferred onto the belts 38 of the calendering stage. The interior edges-of the fabric are released for a short period between the pulleys 34, 35 to allow such gathering of the fabric as may be necessary to further relieve any distortions, and the fabric then moves onto the belts 38, advantageously in a condition of complete lengthwise relaxation.

The assembled frame sections 16, 17 advantageously are so oriented that the exposed reaches of the belts 38 are disposed in parallel relation and extend for a substantial length. Accordingly, the distended material is conveyed for a predetermined, relatively substantial length while being maintained uniform with respect to its width dimensions and its other conditions. While being thus conveyed by the belts 38, the fabric, if treated in a dry condition, is passed between steamers 43, 44 advantageously disposed above and below the fabric, so that the fibers are thoroughly penetrated by steam. The steam lubricates and permits relaxation and reorientation of the fibers, substantially relieving and rendering uniform the tensions in the material, to set the fabric tube to uniform, substantially stabilized dimensions. The fabric thus treated advantageously is passed between calender rolls 45, 46, which may exert a desired degree of pressure on the fabric tofurther set its condition and to improve its surface appearance. Where the fabric is to be processed in wet condition, the steamers 43, 44 may, of course, be omitted, and the rolls 45, 45 may constitute the entry nip of an extracting or extracting-impregnating apparatus, for example.

Very significant advantages are realized with the method and apparatus of the invention, in that. variations in the speed and direction of movement of various sections of a distending tube of fabric are taken into account and accommodated for in a manner to reduce to a practicable minimum undesirable distortions in the fabric. While the invention is by no means thus limited, it has particular advantage in connection with the treatment of laterally striped fabrics, for example, since substantial distention of the material may be effected without significant distortion 7 of the lateral stripes. One of the most significant advantages of the invention resides in the fact that substantial distention and calendering of the fabric may be carried out in a single, continuous process While maintaining substantially complete control over the fabric dimensions and conditions. Thus, since the distended fabric is free of undesirable distortions, it is not only practicable but desirable to immediately calender or otherwise set the fabric in its distortion-free condition.

A further significant advantage of the invention resides in the fact that overspreading of a tubular knitted fabric for straightening of stitches or stripes and effective stabili- Zation of dimensions may be carried out in a continuous, fully controlled process for significantly greater efiiciencies and improved final product. Thus, in some cases it is desirable or expedient to subject tubular knitted fabrics -particularly in the wet condition-to treatment in which the fabric is subjected togreater than usual lateral distention, after which it is permitted to return to a narrower condition and is set in such narrower condition. This is distinguished from a calendering or similar operation, for example, wherein the material is steamed or otherwise set in its distended condition and thereafter retains its distended width or a substantial proportion thereof.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 7 and 8, there is shown one-half of a frame section, designated generally by the reference numeral 50, which is connected by one or more adjustable cross bars 51 to a like but oppositely oriented .frame section (not shown) to form a complete frame assembly for installation in an apparatus such as shown in FIG. 1. The frame section comprises upper and lower plates 52., 53, which are held in a desired, spacedapart relation and journal a plurality of pulleys 54-59. The pulleys 57, 58 have trained thereabout a belt 60, and the pulleys 58, 59 receive a spaced pair of belts 61 (the lower belt not being shown) which straddle the belt 60. The pulley 58 is a differential pulley arranged with the belt 60 trained about the small diameter portion and the belts 61 trained about the large diameter portion, so that the belt 60 moves in predetermined, substantially lower speed relation to the belts 61.

In most respects pertinent to the description, the system involving the pulleys 57-59 and the belts 6t), 61 corre .sponds to the two-stage fabric distending means represented by stages A and B of the apparatus of FIGS. 1-6. However, and a significant distinction, the arrangement of the frame section in a complete apparatus is such as to result in a greater than usual lateral distention of the fabric relative to the desired ultimate width of the fabric.

The forward portion of the assembled frame of FIG. 7 comprises a conveying stage, designated generally by the reference character C, and includes the pulleys 54, and a belt 62 trained thereabout. As indicated in FIG. 8, the pulley 55 is provided with three grooves, and the belt 62 is received in the center one of these grooves.

The conveying stage C of the FIG. 7 apparatus is inset a substantial distance toward the longitudinal center line of the apparatus, such that the conveying stage has a predetermined, substantially narrower width than the maximum width of the overspreading stages A and B. To effect controlled transfer of the excessively distended fabric from overspreading stages onto the conveying stage of the apparatus, there is provided a transfer stage D comprised of the pulleys 55, 56 and a pair of spaced belts 63, 64. The belts 63, 64 advantageously are received in the outer grooves of the pulley 55 in straddling relation to the belt 62 of the conveying stage.

As previously described, the operative relationships between the belts 60, 61 of the overspreading stages are such that the belt is driven at a substantially slower linear speed than the belt 61, to accommodate for the increased width of the distended material, the effective angle between the belts 60, 61, and possibly other factors, such as the nature of the material to be treated. In

addition, the belt 62 of the calendering stage is driven at a substantially slower speed than the belt 60 of the second overspreading stage to provide for longitudinal relaxation of the fabric being carried through the conveying stage.

In the apparatus of FIGS. 7 and 8, the desired speed relationship between the belts 60 and 62 is achieved by training the transfer belts 63, 64 into deep grooves in the pulley 56, such that the transfer belts are spaced away from the area of peripheral contact between the edge drive roll 24 and the pulley 56. The linear speed of the transfer belts 63, 64 thus is slower by a predetermined amount than the peripheral speed of the pulley 56. Advantageously, the predetermined speed reduction between the peripheral speed of the pulley S6 and the linear speed of the belt 62 is calculated to accommodate the reduction in fabric width and, in addition, to provide for a small amount of overfeed of the material onto the conveying stage, so that the fabric is free of longitudinal tension during calendering or other treatment.

When the assembled frame of FIGS. 7 and 8 is installed in the apparatus of FIG. 1, for example, the untreated tubular knitted fabric is fed over the overspreading section of the frame, comprising distending stages A and B. The fabric is substantially distended in a lateral direction while being advanced to and beyond the edge drive rolls and, as one of the significant features of the invention, the substantial lateral distention thus effected is not accompanied by the usual distortion of the fabric, since the fabric edges are driven through successive short distending stages at predetermined different speeds which take into account the angle of divergence of the fabric edges, the average width of the fabric, and other relevant factors.

In the assembled frame structure, the spacing between sets of pulleys 56, 57 on opposed frame sections is such that the fabric tube is caused to be distended to an excessive degree relative to its desired final width. This effects a desired stabilizing of the stitches and relieves certain undesired tensions therein which arise during knitting or other previous operations or treatments of the fabric. However, the knitted fabric tube tends to return to a substantially narrower width, determined by the belts of the conveying stage, after over-spreading.

As the fabric tube advances beyond the forward drive pulley 56, it tends to follow around the forward edge of the pulley and to travel inward in returning to a narrower dimension. After a predetermined amount of inward movement, the fabric is transferred onto the forwardly moving conveyor section belts 62-, which advance the fabric tube longitudinally and maintain the tube at a predetermined uniform width. The overspread and high ly stabilized, uniform tube is then steamed (if treated in a dry state) while being conveyed over the conveying section of the frame to further relieve stitch tensions in the material and to set the fabric to a predetermined, uniform width.

The apparatus of FIGS. 7 and 8 is particularly advantageous in respect to its ability to over-distend the fabric without distortion. This permits the fabric to be transferred directly, and while still under substantial control, onto the conveying section of the frame, where the fabric is set to predetermined dimensions. The system of the invention results in significant efficiencies, and also assures greater quality and uniformity in the final product.

In the form of the invention shown in FIG. 9, a frame assembly adapted for installation in an apparatus substantially as indicated in FIG. 1 is comprised of a pair of opposed frame sections 70 connected by a pair of adjustable cross bars 71, 72. Each of the frame sections 70 comprises a pair of spaced frame plates 73 journaling a plurality of pulleys 74-78. A belt 79 is trained about the pulleys 77 and 78, and a second belt 80 is trained about the pulleys 76, 77.

Substantially as previously described, the pulley 77 is a differential pulley, and the belt 79 is trained about the large diameter portion thereof, while the belt 86 is trained about the small diameter portion. Accordingly, the belts 79, 80 will move in predetermined speed relation, with the belt 86) traveling at a substantially slower speed (e.g., one-half) relative to the belt 79. In an assembled apparatus, the belts 79, 30 are arranged in opposed pairs and form successive distending stages for gripping the interior edge walls of a fabric tube and advancing the edge walls longitudinally and laterally outward. In the successive distending stages A and B, the respective belt speeds are calculated to accommodate for the average width of the material, the angle of outward movement, and other relevant factors, so that distention of the fabric tube takes place substantially without undesirable distortion.

A belt 81 is trained about the pulleys 74, 75 and may constitute a short calendering section, for example. In such event, an assembled apparatus will include a pair of opposed belts 81 arranged in substantially parallel relation and adapted to convey a fabric tube of predetermined dimensions and condition past a steaming station. The forward belts 81 also may be employed to further distend the fabric tube upon appropriate regulation of the belt angle and speed.

Advantageousiy, the pulleys 75, 76, constituting the drive input pulley for the various belts 79-81, are spaced apart a predetermined substantial distance to receive between them opposed pairs of edge drive rolls, such as indicated at 29, a. The edge drive rolls are spaced on closer centers than the drive input pulleys 75, 76 so that when the edge drive rolls are adjusted inward into snug fitting relation to the pulleys 75, 76, the frame will be entirely supported in the apparatus by the edge drive rolls.

In the complete apparatus, the edge drive rolls 20, 26a and their corresponding, opposed edge drive rolls (not shown) are independently adjustable inward and outward. Accordingly, by appropriate independent adjustment of the edge drive rolls and of the adjustable cross bars 71, 72, some adjustment of the angle of divergence of the opposed frame sections may be effected.

In the system of FIG. 9, a fabric tube being conveyed over the assembled frame is distended and advanced in stages A and B, substantially as heretofore described. The fabric is then drawn between the edge drive roll 20 and its associated drive input pulley '75, whereupon the fabric is picked up by the opposed belts 81 and conveyed off the frame while being conveyed and perhaps further distended in the last stage C.

Advantageously, and as illustrated in FIG. 9, the drive input pulley 75 is spaced outward from the center longitudinal axis of the apparatus a greater distance than the pulley 76. Accordingly, the fabric undergoes further lateral distention while traveling between the pulleys 7s and 75'. To accommodate such further lateral distention, it is contemplated by the invention that the peripheral speed of the edge drive roll 29 will be less by a predetermined amount than the peripheral speed of the edge drive roll Zita. Further, the belt 81 advantageously is recessed into a deep groove in the drive input pulley '75 so that the linear speed of the belt is slower by a predetermined amount than the peripheral speed of the edge drive roll 2d, causing the fabric to be slightly overfed onto the belt 81.

As indicated in FIG. 9, the frame plates '73 advantageously are recessed inward from a tangent line connecting the edge drive rolls 20, 20a, and this permits the partially distended fabric traveling between the second dist-ending stage B and the last stage C to be diverted inward by its inherent elasticity facilitating release of any undesirable distortions.

Although it has been found to be unnecessary in most cases, it may be desirable at times to provide for the direct support of fabric traveling between the stages B and C, and such procedure may be accommodated in the slightly modified apparatus of FIG. 10. The apparatus of FIG. 10 is similar in most respects to that of FIG. 9, and similar reference numerals have been applied where appropriate. However, the apparatus of FIG. 10 differs in respect of providing between the edge drive rolls 2%), 29a, in an area designated for convenience as stage D, an additional spaced pair of pulleys about which is trained a belt 92. One of the pulleys 94) or 91 is positioned to make contact with one of the edge drive rolls 20 or 20a, and in the illustration of FIG. 10 the pulley 921 is driven by the edge drive roll 20a. The other pulley 9:) is mounted in closely spaced relation to, but out of contact with, the edge drive roll 20.

In the specific illustration of FIG. 10, the belt 92 extending over the distention stage D is disposed at a somewhat sharper angle to the longitudinal axis than is the belt 8%? of the preceding stage B. Thus, considering only the disposed angles of the belts 92, 8f), the belt 92 should be made to travel at a slightly faster speed than the belt 8% to maintain the fabric tube in its forward travel with a constant velocity component along the longitudinal axis. However, since the average width of the fabric passing over the distention stage D is greater than that of the fabric passing over the distention stage B, accommodation should be made in this respect for the belt 92 to travel at a slower speed than the belt 80. Thus, as will be understood, the significant factors of average width and disposed angle of the belts 92, tend to be mutually compensating, so that the belts can be caused to travel more nearly at the same speed than would otherwise be expected. In practice, the relative speeds of the belts are calculated to maintain the moving fabric tube free of distortion, and the belt 92 may be caused to move at a slower linear speed, for example, than the belt 80 by recessing the belt 92 in a deeper groove in its drive input pulley 91.

In any of its various forms, the method and means of the invention represents a significant advance in the processing of tubular knitted fabrics by enabling the fabric tube to be distended laterally to a desired substantial degree without introducing excessive distortions. In this respect, it will be understood that at one or more stages during a processing of tubular knitted fabric from its condition as received from the knitting machine to its final condition in the form of a garment, for example, the fabric is distended widthwise to relieve knitting and other processing tensions, to set to predetermined, uniform dimensions, or for a combination of these and other reasons. Accordingly, the operation of widthwise distention of tubular knitted fabric constitutes a very significant aspect of the fabric processing. Moreover, unceasing effort has been made by the industry to carry out the processing of tubular knitted fabric in a manner resulting in a finished fabric free of distortions, stitch tensions, etc., which cause a finished garment to shrink or distort during laundering and use. The invention represents a significant advance in the production of tensionand distortion-free knitted fabric by assuring that the act of laterall distending the fabric, which is performed in part for the purpose of relieving certain tensions and distortions, does not itself introduce other undesired distortions.

The invention is of particular value in the processing of tubular knitted fabric requiring a large degree of lateral distention. Thus, the invention is applicable with special advantage to distention treatments including overspreading, where the fabric while in a wet or dry state is distended to a substantial width and then allowed to return to a narrower width before being set to its final dimensions. However, even in the processing of fabric requiring only the usual degree of spreading, the procedure and apparatus of the invention may be employed to great advantage, by controlled, distortion-free distention in the manner described and by the utilization of a plurality of stages of overfeeding of the material as it transfers from one set of belts to another.

Another advantageous aspect of the invention resides in the use, at least in the distending stages of the apparatus, of edge drive rolls and internal, belt supporting rolls of substantially greater thickness than has been customary in the past. The rolls, which have a thickness sufficient to accommodate three belts effectively reduce distortions at the edges of the fabric tube and, in conjunction with other features of the invention, provide a superior finished material.

It should be understood that the specific forms of the invention herein illustrated and described are intended to be representative only, since variations may be made therein without departing from the clear teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, reference should be made to the following appended claims in determining the full scope of the invention.

We claim:

1. The method of treating tubular knitted fabric which comprises delivering the fabric, advancing the fabric in and throughout a first stage by internally engaging the fabric in flat form at its opposite edges and advancing a plurality of wall portions of the fabric at a first predetermined speed and at a first predetermined divergent angle to the longitudinal axis of the fabric, transferring the fabric directly into a subsequent treating stage and thereafter advancing the fabric in said subsequent stage by internally engaging and advancing a plurality of Wall portions of the fabric at a second and slower predetermined speed and at a second and smaller predetermined divergent angle to the longitudinal axis of the fabric, said first and second predetermined speeds being functions of the respective predetermined divergent angles at which the fabric is advanced relative to the longitudinal axis thereof and functions of the respective average widths of the fabric during each stage, such that the component of movement of said fabric along the longitudinal axis thereof is substantially uniform across the width of the fabric during said first and subsequent stage, internally engaging and advancing wall portions of the fabric parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof during a further stage following said subsequent stage, steaming the fabric during said further stage, and thereafter engaging and advancing the said fabric across its width.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising advancing the internally engaged fabric Wail portions of the further stage at a predetermined third speed slower than the second predetermined speed during said subsequent stage.

3. The method of claim 1, in which engaged portions of r said fabric are laterally distended to a predetermined width prior to said further stage, and the internally engaged portions of the fabric are advanced in said further stage parallel to said longitudinal axis and at a width substantially less than said predetermined width.

4. Apparatus for treating tubular knitted fabric comprising a first treating stage having means for internally engaging and advancing wall portions of the fabric at a first predetermined divergent angle to the longitudinal axis of the fabric and at a predetermined first speed, a second treating stage positioned to receive fabric direct- 1y from said first treating stage and having means for internally engaging and advancing wall portions of the fabric at a second and smaller predetermined divergent angle to the longitudinal axis of the fabric and at a second predetermined speed slower than said first speed, means interconnecting said first and second treating stages and controlling the relative speeds thereof as functions of the respective divergent angles and the average widths of said fabric passing over said treating stages, whereby the component of movement of said fabric along the longitudinal axis thereof is substantially uniform across the width of the fabric during said first and second treating stages, a third treating stage adjacent said second treating stage comprising means positioned to receive fabric from the second stage and engage the fabric internally and advance it longitudinally while maintaining it at a predetermined width, means to steam fabric being advanced through said third stage, and means following said third treating stage for engaging and advancing said fabric across its width.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, in which the third stage is of substantially the same width as said second stage at their points of adjacency, whereby said predetermined width is substantially equal to the width of the fabric received from the second stage.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, in which the third stage is of a width substantially less than the width of the second stage at their points of adjacency, whereby said predetermined width is substantially less than the width of the fabric received from the second stage.

7. The method of treating tubular knitted fabric which comprises distending the fabric in fiat tubular form in a first stage from an initial width to a predetermined second width greater than said initial width by engaging the fabric tube internally at its opposed edge wall portions and advancing said wall portions of the fabric at a first predetermined speed and at a first predetermined divergent angle to the longitudinal axis of the tube, receiving the fabric without process interruption from said first stage and further distending the fabric in a second stage to a predetermined third width greater than said second width by engaging said fabric tube internally at said edge wall portions and advancing said wall portions at a second predetermined speed, slower than said first speed, and at a second predetermined divergent angle to said longitudinal axis, said first and second predetermined speeds being functions of the respective predetermined divergent angles at which the fabric is advanced relative to the longitudinal axis and functions of the respective average widths of the fabric during each stage, such that the component of movement of said fabric along said longitudinal axis is substantially uniform across the width of the fabric during said first and second stages, receiving the fabric without process interruption from said second stage and internally engaging and advancing edge wall portions of said fabric in a further separate stage at a third predetermined speed which is a function of the angle at which the fabric edges are advanced and of the average Width of the fabric and not in excess of said second predetermined speed, the internal engagement of edge walls of the fabric tube during said further stage serving additionally to maintain effective control over the width of the fabric, and fixing the width of the fabric subsequent to the second stage without process interruption.

8. The method of claim 7, in which the fabric is treated in said further stage by internally engaging said edge wall portions of the fabric and advancing them longitudinally while maintaining the fabric at a predetermined fourth width substantially less than said third width, and fixing the width of the fabric by steaming the fabric while it is maintained at said fourth width.

9. The method of claim 7, further characterized by the fabric width being fixed by the application of steam to the fabric during travel thereof through said further stage.

10. The method of claim 7, further characterized by fixing the fabric width by the application of rolling pressure to said fabric following said further stage.

1l. Apparatus for treating tubular knitted fabric comprising a first treating stage having first belt means for internally engaging and advancing wall portions of the fabric at a first predetermined divergent angle to the longitudinal axis of the fabric and at a predetermined first speed, a second treating stage positioned to receive fabric directly from said first treating stage and having second belt means for internally engaging and advancing wall portions of the fabric at a second predetermined divergent angle to the longitudinal axis of the fabric and at a second predetermined speed slower than said first speed, a further treating stage positioned to receive the fabric having third belt means for internally engaging and ad vancing wall portions of the fabric substantially parallel to the axis of the fabric and at a speed not greater than said second predetermined speed, means interconnecting said treating stages and controlling the relative speeds thereof as functions of the respective angles and the average Widths of said fabric passing over said treating stages, whereby the component of movement of said fabric aim: the longitudinal axis thereof is substantially uniform across the width of the fabric during said treating stages.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, which includes a frame mounted to be received internally of an advancing tube of fabric, said first and second treating stages comprising pairs of opposed, divergently related belts mounted at the entry end of the frame for engagement with the internal edge walls of the advancing fabric, a first pair of edge rolls mounted on opposite sides of the frame and coacting with the pairs of belts through the fabric wall to drive the belts, said further treating stage comprising a further pair of opposed belts mounted on the frame beyond the first-mentioned pairs of belts in the direction of fabric advance and engageable with the internal edge walls of the fabric, a second pair of edge rolls mounted on opposite sides of the frame and coacting with said further pair of belts through the fabric Wall to drive said further pair of belts, said first and second pairs of edge rolls being spaced longitudinally, and said second pair of edge rolls being spaced wider apart than said first pair of edge rolls.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, in which an intermediate pair of opposed belts is mounted on said frame intermediate said first-mentioned and said further pairs of belts, one of said pairs of edge rolls coacting with and driving said intermediate pair of belts through the fabric wall, the other of said edge rolls being free of said intermediate pair of belts.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, in which said frame has guiding edge portions extending between the firstmentioned and further pairs of belts, and said guiding edge portions lie substantially inside tangent lines extending between the first-mentioned and further pairs of belts to accommodate gathering and narrowing of the advancing fabric.

15 The apparatus of claim 12, in which the frame comprises frame means adjustable toward and away from a central longitudinal axis and angularly relative to said axis.

16. The apparatus of claim 11, in which said first treating stage includes a first pair of divergently related belts positioned to engage the interior of an advancing fabric tube and means to drive the belts at a predetermined first speed to advance and laterally distend the fabric, said second treating stage includes a second pair or" divergently related belts positioned beyond the first pair of belts in the direction of fabric advance and engaging the interior of the advancing and distended fabric and means to drive the second pair of belts at a second predetermined speed slower than said first speed to advance and further laterally distend the fabric, said further treating stage includes a third pair of belts disposed in substantially parallel relation and spaced apart a predetermined substantial distance less than the maximum spacing of the second pair of belts, and means to drive the third pair of belts at a predetermined third speed slower than said second speed.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, which includes a pair of transfer belts, second and third pairs of belts being driven by a pair of edge rolls engaging the exterior of and acting through the fabric, a set of two driven rolls coacting with each edge roll from the interior of the fabric, one driven roll of each set engaging and driving a belt of the second pair, the other driven roll of each set engaging and driving a transfer belt, said second beits, said transfer belts, and said driven rolls being so related that said transfer belts travel at a predetermined speed slower than said second belts, said third belts being driven by said transfer belts.

References ited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,583,630 1/52 Chatfield 26-185 2,589,344 3/52 Cohn et al 26-l8.5 2,589,345 3/52 Colin et a1 2618.5 2,590,938 4/52 Cohn et al 2655 2,634,488 4/52 Cohn et a1 2655 3,044,142 7/62 Brunner 26-l8.5

DONALD W. PARKER, Primary Examiner.

RUSSELL C. MADER, Examiner. 

7. THE METHOD OF TREATING TUBULAR KNITTED FABRIC WHICH COMPRISES DISTENDING THE FABRIC IN FLAT TUBULAR FORM IN A FIRST STAGE FROM AN INITIAL WIDTH TO A PREDETERMINED SECOND WIDTH GREATER THAN SAID INITIAL WIDTH BY ENGAGING THE FABRIC TUBE INTERNALLY AT ITS OPPOSED EDGE WALL PORTIONS AND ADVANCING SAID WALL PORTIONS OF THE FABRIC AT A FIRST PREDETERMINED SPEED AND AT A FIRST PREDETERMINED DIVERGENT ANGLE TO THE LONGITUDINAL AXIS OF THE TUBE, RECEIVING THE FABRIC WITHOUT PROCESS INTERRUPTION FROM SAID FIRST STAGE AND FURTHER DISTENDING THE FABRIC IN A SECOND STAGE TO A PREDETERMINED THIRD WIDTH GREATER THAN SAID SECOND WIDTH BY ENGAGING SAID FABRIC TUBE INTERNALLY AT SAID EDGE WALL PORTIONS AND ADVANCING SAID WALL PORTIONS AT A SECOND PREDETERMINED SPEED, SLOWER THAN SAID FIRST SPEED, AND AT A SECOND PREDTERMINED DIVERGENT ANGLE TO SAID LONGITUDINAL AXIS, SAID FIRST AND SECOND PREDETERMINED SPEEDS BEING FUNCTIONS OF THE RESPECTIVE PREDETERMINED DIVERGENT ANGLES AT WHICH THE FABRIC IS ADVANCED RELATIVE TO THE LONGITUDINAL AXIS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE RESPECTIVE AVERAGE WIDTHS OF THE FABRIC DURING EACH STAGE, SUCH THAT THE COMPONENT OF MOVEMENT OF SAID FABRIC ALONG SAID LONGITUDINAL AXIS IS SUBSTANTIALLY UNIFORM ACROSS THE WIDTH OF THE FABRIC DURING SAID FIRST AND SECOND STAGES, RECEIVING THE FABRIC WITHOUT PROCESS INTERRUPTION FROM SAID SECOND STAGE AND INTERNALLY ENGAGING AND ADVANCING EDGE WALL PORTIONS OF SAID FABRIC IN A FURTHER SEPARATE STAGE AT A THIRD PREDETERMINED SPEED WHICH IS A FUNCTION OF THE ANGLE AT WHICH THE FABRIC EDGES ARE ADVANCED AND OF THE AVERAGE WIDTH OF THE FABRIC AND NOT IN EXCESS OF SAID SECOND PREDETERMINED SPEED, THE INTERNAL ENGAGEMENT OF EDGE WALLS OF THE FABRIC TUBE DURING SAID FURTHER STAGE SERVING ADDITIONALLY TO MAINTAIN EFFECTIVE CONTROL OVER THE WIDTH OF THE FABRIC, AND FIXING THE WIDTH OF THE FABRIC SUBSEQUENT TO THE SECOND STAGE WITHOUT PROCESS INTERRUPTION.
 11. APPARATUS FOR TREATING TUBULAR KNITTED FABRIC COMPRISING A FIRST TREATING STAGE HAVING FIRST BELT MEANS FOR INTERNALLY ENGAGING AND ADVANCING WALL PORTIONS OF THE FABRIC AT A FIRST PREDETERMINED DIVERGENT ANGLE TO THE LONGITUDINAL AXIS OF THE FABRIC AND AT A PREDETERMINED FIRST SPEED, A SECOND TREATING STAGE POSITIONED TO RECEIVE FABRIC DIRECTLY FROM SAID FIRST TREATING STAGE AND HAVING SECOND BELT MEANS FOR INTERNALLY ENGAGING AND ADVANCING WLL PORTIONS OF THE FABRIC AT A SECOND PREDETERMINED DIVERGENT ANGLE TO THE LONGITUDINAL AXIS OF THE FABRIC AND AT A SECOND PREDETERMINED SPEED SLOWER THAN SAID FIRST SPEED, A FURTHER TREATING STAGE POSITIONED TO RECEIVE THE FABRIC HAVING THIRD BELT MEANS FOR INTERNALLY ENGAGING AND ADVANCING WALL PORTIONS OF THE FABRIC SUBSTANTIALLY PARALLEL TOI THE AXIS OF THE FABRIC AND AT A SPEED NOT GREATER THAN SAID SECOND PREDETERMINED SPEED, MEANS INTERCONNECTING SAID TREATING STAGES AND CONTROLLING THE RELATIVE SPEEDS THEREOF AS A FUNCTIONS OF THE RESPECTIVE ANGLES AND THE AVERAGE WIDTHS OF SAID FABRIC PASSING OVER SAID TREATING STAGES, WHEREBY THE COMPONENT OF MOVEMENT OF SAID FABRIC ALONG THE LONGITUDINAL AXIS THEREOF IS SUBSTANTIALLY UNIFORM ACROSS THE WIDTH OF THE FABRIC DURING SAID TREATING STAGES. 